Life with diabetes: What happens as we age?

If you have diabetes, you might encounter the effects of complications as you move into the latter part of your life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 50 percent of adults age 65 and older have prediabetes and 25 percent have diabetes. Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than they should be, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.

These conditions are caused by multiple factors, including insulin resistance, usually as a result of obesity and inactivity; reduced insulin production from the pancreas; and loss of muscle mass.

Medication conflicts — You may be taking multiple medications to treat health conditions, which puts you at increased risk for side effects or drug interactions.

Dexterity and vision loss — Your fingers or hands may not work as well as they used to, or your eyesight may be poor, making it difficult to use insulin or injectable medications.

Financial burden — Medication and testing supplies needed to treat your diabetes can be costly, which could create budget constraints.

Memory loss or function — You may not remember or think as clearly as before and may need assistance from relatives or friends.

Poor nutrition — You may have limited access to healthy food because of finances or lack of transportation.

Depression — Your level of independence may decrease due to changes in vision, mobility or finances, and you may become depressed.

PARTICIPATION IN YOUR TREATMENT PLAN

Early detection and treatment of diabetes and prediabetes can reduce your risk for long-term complications. It’s important to work with your diabetes care team to individualize your treatment plan, including limiting hypoglycemia, or low blood sugars, and cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension, or high blood pressure, and lipid management.

Other ways you can be an active participant in your treatment plan include to:

Set some realistic personal goals in your diabetes journey. Work with your health care team to promote positive health. Gather support from your family, friends and community to improve your quality of life.